The Environmental Division responds to complaints of possible violations of the Torrance Municipal Code.  Such violations may include enforcement of property maintenance and nuisance codes, both community noise and airport noise codes, inoperative vehicles, weed abatement and zoning and land use code violations. To report a suspected violation, call the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929 to report any suspected violations.  You will need to provide the address of the property in question, and your contact information.

Everybody's rights are protected under the law. You have certain freedoms as long as they do not infringe on the freedoms of others. When it comes to property, the condition of your property and the activities that take place on it impact the health and safety, property values and quality of life of your neighbors and community. Therefore, the City of Torrance has implemented codes to regulate property maintenance and health and safety issues.

The fact that a violation may have existed for many years, simply means that it has not been reported. Often a citizen complaint brings us to a property where we can document the violation once it’s brought to our attention. To make an official complaint, call the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.  You will need to provide the address of the property in question and your contact information.

Yes.  To make an official complaint, call the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.  You will need to provide the address of the property in question and your contact information. 

Call the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929 to make an official complaint. You will need to provide the address of the property in question and your contact information.

Bushes/shrubbery, per Torrance Municipal Code  (Section 92.13.1), cannot be higher than Four (4) feet. For further information, please contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.

This is a commonly asked question because the problem occurs in nearly every residential neighborhood where mature landscape conditions exist.  Code Enforcement does not have the authority to require a property owner to trim or remove this type of vegetation unless it overhangs into a public right-of-way impeding either pedestrian or vehicular traffic or unless the vegetation poses a risk to health and safety or is dead.  Instead, this particular question is a good example of a civil matter between property owners. Code Enforcement does recommend that callers attempt to work this out with their neighbor; however, if both parties are unable to resolve the problem satisfactorily then they have the option of working through Dispute Resolution services or the court system, with or without an attorney.

South Bay Center for Dispute Resolution (310) 376-7007.

The front yard, per Torrance Municipal Code   (Section 92.5.14), may not be paved more than 50% and must have landscape that is maintained.

No.  Torrance Municipal Code   (Section 92.32.6) strictly prohibits the Parking of recreational vehicles, campers, boats, cars or other mobile equipment on the grass, dirt or other landscaped areas surrounding a house.

Private Property:  No, not permanently.  Torrance Municipal Code   (Section 92.5.12) does not allow recreational vehicles to be used for permanent housing, but does allow for short stays with a permit. For more information contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.. Public Property:  No.  For more information contact the Torrance Police Department at (310) 328-3456.

On Private Property:  Call the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929 to make an official complaint. On the Street:  A vehicle can only be parked in the same spot for 72 hours.  If you become suspicious of a certain vehicle that has exceeded the 72-hour limit, please call the Torrance Police Department's Traffic Division at (310) 618-5557

The City of Torrance does not allow permanent or full time parking of oversized vehicles on the street. For Temporary use parking permits, contact the Transportation Planning Division at (310) 618-5990.  If you think there is a violation please contact the Torrance Police Department at (310) 328-3456.

For building permit information contact the Building & Safety Division at (310) 618-5910.  For information on zoning & land use contact the Development Review Division at (310) 618-5990.

Yes.  Contact the Building & Safety Division at (310) 618-5910.

Please visit the following link for more information: "Environmental Inspection for Final"

Torrance Municipal Code does not regulate the number of related nor non-related persons who may reside in one house.

You should be aware that the identification of types of molds and the determination of the possible toxic nature of mold s a complex science and may require the hiring of professional experts in the field. If you have health concerns, contact the Los Angeles County Health Department at (213) 250-8055.

To address building concerns, i.e. leaking plumbing or roofing, you can contact the Building and Safety Division at (310) 618-5910.

Yes. Standing or stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects which pose health and safety risks.  Torrance Municipal Code prohibits stagnant water from standing/collecting on private property. 

Yes. Standing or stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects which pose health and safety risks.  Torrance Municipal Code  (Section 92.32.5) prohibits stagnant water from standing/collecting on private property.  Call the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929 to make an official complaint.  You will need to provide the address of the property in question and your contact information.

No.  A pool cannot be drained into the street. It must be drained into your sewer system usually through an exterior cleanout. For more information please refer to the Call the Fire Prevention Division at (310) 618-2973.

If you witness someone draining a pool or spa into the street call the Torrance Fire Department at (310) 781-7042 at the time the event is occurring. You will need to provide the address of the property in question.

Yes. Every person engaged in operating a home occupation shall obtain a City Business License and a Home Occupation Permit.

Some restrictions for a business in your home also include but not limited to:

• No employees at the residence
• No walk-in customers
• No displays
• Limited stock storage
• No products sold at the home
• Limited mechanical equipment used.

To obtain a Business License please call the Business License & Permits office at (310) 618-5923. For information on obtaining a Home Occupation Permit call the Development Review Division at (310) 618-5990.

No.  California Penal code prohibits posting on telephone, street light, utility poles and traffic standards and prohibits other signage on Public property (Torrance Municipal code has specific exemptions for realty signs).  Call the Environmental Division for further information or to file a complaint at (310) 618-5929.  You will need to provide the address of the property in question and your contact information.

Yes. Business signage requires a Sign Permit.  Contact the Environmental Division for information on the type and size of signs allowed for your business.  The Environmental Division can then issue the permit for the sign.

You may contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.

Yes. All temporary banners require a Banner Permit.  For more information on Banner Permits, please contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929.

Handbills may be placed on the door of a residence or business or handed to a person at the property providing there are no signs prohibiting the delivery of handbills (i.e. NO SOLICITORS, NO TRESPASSING, etc), per Torrance Municipal Code  (Sections 33.3.2 & 33.3.6).

NO handbills shall be placed on any vehicles per the Torrance Municipal Code  (Section 33.3.3).